Snow & Ice 

The Town has a policy for snow removal that all members of the public are encouraged to review.  With the chinook freeze/ thaw cycle in Southern Alberta, efficient use of snow removal resources has to be front and centre for municipalities along with road safety. 

CALL THE OPERATIONS DEPARTMENT (403-646-2902) with any urgent issue related to snow or ice removal operations on roadways or around municipal buildings in general.

BYLAW ENFORCEMENT (403-601-3639) Snow, ice, debris and other materials on any sidewalk adjacent to private property should be removed and cleared away by the owner/occupier within 24 hours of it being deposited.

Property owners: please remember to stay on top of ice build-up upon your adjacent sidewalk in the days following a snow event.

This is the priority map for Town related to the policy.

COMMON QUESTIONS

1.   When will our street be plowed?  The policy and map identify the priority in which streets will be plowed or have ice control implemented.  Snow clearing will typically commence on top priority routes once 12 cm (5 inches approx.) has fallen, but there are exceptions.
2. Will the Town's operators plow my driveway or clear my portion of sidewalk?  The Town does not typically perform such work on private property. Bylaw enforcement situations, where sidewalk snow has not been cleared by the property owner in a timely fashion, may supersede the policy and result in a bill for the property owner.
3. What about laneways/ alleys?  Laneways used for waste and recycling collection will be cleared; others will only be cleared for snow drifting situations or other extraneous circumstances.  
   • If a larger snowfall is forecast or is being experienced, property-owners with laneway/alley access garages should consider temporarily moving their vehicles to the front of their properties and using a block heater if necessary.  It could be some time before a laneway is passable in the 48+ hours after a large snow event.
4. Why is there sometimes a windrow in my driveway? The plow operator sometimes must plow snow to the curb or right-hand side of the road and has limited control over the amount and direction that comes off the blade. The plow blade is at a set position and does not have the ability to swivel around driveways and crown of the road. 
   • When clearing your driveway, try to pile the snow on the right side (standing in your driveway and looking towards the street). This can help reduce the amount of snow that is pushed onto your driveway when a snow plow passes.  It neither economical nor efficient for the blade to be lifted at each driveway.
   • Our weather in Nanton does not yield frequent falls of snow that get residents used to windrows.  Please be understanding towards our operators when they have to leave one in a driveway.
5. Can I place the snow from my driveway or parking area onto the traveled portion of the street?  Residents are encouraged to avoid pushing or blowing snow from their sidewalk or driveway into the street because it is potentially creating a dangerous situation for motorists.  Significant actions of this nature could result in bylaw enforcement action.
6. Who do I call if I have a problem?  If you need to talk to someone at Public Works/Operations about snow or ice removal, please call the town office.  
   • The Town does not constantly monitor social media pages, so there should be no expectation that by complaining online that appropriate staff will ever receive the information.  Call us or e-mail.

Clearing snow and ice from our roads is a partnership between the Town, Alberta Transportation and the community.  Here's how you can help:

• If you can, park in your driveway as opposed to the street;
• Stay back a safe distance from the rear of any plow truck so the driver can see you;
• Avoid passing or driving beside plow trucks if at all possible;
• Avoid placing snow from your driveway back into the street - less snow will be pushed into your driveway by a plow-truck;
• If you can, help make residential laneways passable in the first 48 hours after a major snow event;
• If you can, help your neighbours or participate in a local 'Snow Angels' program.

Regulations with respect to snow and ice are governed by the Traffic Bylaw 1327 (section 18).

Special exceptions related to snow removal, authorized by the CAO: